BOSS-it

Season 2 - Episode 18: Catching up with Michael Humblet

Amongst plenty of joshing and generally giving each other a hard time, Mark & Michael catch up on what they have each been doing over the past 18 months. Michael announces his forthcoming book: “Nobody Knows You” – How do you fix your business so it scales. To be published September 2020. They discuss humour, Ricky Gervais, how to change entrenched mindset and how to make your content work really hard for you. Links: Michael Humblet The Experience Economy - James H Gilmore

Season 2 - Episode 16: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Laid Bare

Former CEO & founder of Everteam and ECM veteran, Béchara Wakim, recently sold his company to Japanese firm, Kyocera.  Here, he talks to Mark Edwards about his background and subsequent career in the Document Management and Content Management space, 'the death of AI', machine learning, compliance and information governance. Originally a University professor of IT and Document Management, Béchara founded Everteam in 1990.  Everteam started life focusing on Document Management tech tools an...

Season 2 - Episode 15: Tips & Techniques on Leveraging MindMapping for Business Success

Season 2 - Episode 14: The Evolution of Software Sales in the Healthcare Sector

In this episode, Mark Edwards talks to healthcare industry veteran, Steve Wightman.  Currently Sales Director at Servelec, Steve discusses innovation in global healthcare and how hospital Trusts were trying to manage their exisiting paper records while making the transition to digital records. Steve offers insights on latest developments within the sector.

Season 2 - Episode 13: When does working hard become too much?

Software entrepreneurs often work too hard. And, just like anything in life, there needs to be a balance. But how do you find that balance? In this episode, Mark Edwards interviews experienced psychologist, Nicola Bird, who shares with you the answer to that question. Nicola also shares insights about overcoming the fear of delegation. How to deal with uncertainty. And, what an entrepreneur should do if s/he is overworked and has too many tasks to complete each day. Links: www.alittlep...

Season 2 - Episode 12: Expert Salesman Gives Software Entrepreneurs Advice they Need

This week, Mark Edwards talks to experienced software salesman, Michael Veenswyk, whose previous experience includes senior roles at IBM as well as running his own software companies. Michael offers sound advice, based on several decades of experience ‘at the coal face’. With his in-depth software sector knowledge Michael is well-placed to share many insights that will help you on your journey towards growing a more successful software business.

Season 2 - Episode 11: Expert Marketer tells you how to hire the right marketer for massive results

Most marketers you hire will not get you results.  You may have experienced this before.  They promise to deliver. But fail miserably.    In this episode of BOSS-it you’ll find out from expert marketer, Shane Barker, how to identify which marketer/s to hire if you want great results. You’ll also learn Shane’s response to B2B companies who say: “Social media isn’t for us.” As well as, the biggest mistake software companies are making right now with their content marketing. Amongst a host ...

Season 2 - Episode 10: The Inspiring Story of How One Man Sold His Company for $125 Million Despite Only Ever Having 22 Employees

This week Mark Edwards interviews Aurangzeb Khan. Aurangzeb sold his company for $125 million and has now just invented the Panacast 3 with Jabra. How did he do it? - Are there any secrets to his success? - What was the main lesson he learnt from his failed ventures? All of these questions and more are answered in this episode. Links: https://www.jabra.com/business/video-conferencing/jabra-panacast#/#8100-119 

Season 2 - Episode 9 : The one key thing you need to transform your business

Partnerships: a seemingly simple & almost insignificant part of any business. Yet, they’re more important than you may suspect.  In this episode of BOSS-it, Mark Edwards talks to Colin Frith, founder of Covvered, a company which helps people keep track of valuable warranties and insurance policies.  You’ll learn how Colin transformed Covvered with the partnerships he formed in his business.  And, Colin reveals exactly how you too can transform your business - just like he did. Links:  w...

Season 2 - Episode 8: One Sure-Fire Way to Always Hire the Right Person

Knowing which person to hire for your company is tricky. And you can waste a lot of time & money if you get it wrong. In this episode, Mark Edwards interviews David Hirschfield. David is an expert in scaleable software development.  You’ll hear David’s one sure-fire method to make sure he always hires the right person for the job. As well as the one characteristic you need to develop to be ultra-successful in our industry. Amongst other things. Links: https://www.tekyz.com/

Season 2 - Episode 7: How Speech Technology Will Change the World You Live In

Speech Technology is exploding within the software industry so this episode will bring you up-to-date with what’s going on, so you can see the potential value to yourself and your business.  In this episode Mark Edwards interviews speech technology expert, Nigel Cannings. You’ll also learn about a new, upcoming area within speech technology which could prove of real benefit to your business.  Links: www.intelligentvoice.com 

Season 2 - Episode 6: 77% of all buyers say the buying process is complex. Here’s what to do…

In this episode Mark interviews Greg Dickenson. Greg is an expert in creating great demo experiences so prospects can truly experience your product prior to buying. This is highly important because it will dramatically affect your conversion rates. So this episode is definitely one you should check out. And if you have any feedback for the podcast you can email Mark (The Host) at [email protected] or Greg Dickenson from Omedym at [email protected]  Links: www.Omedym.com  

Season 2 - Episode 5: An inspirational story you can learn a lot from

In this episode Mark Edwards talks with Jeremy Brassington. Jeremy is the CEO of Note Taking Express who have created a platform for note taking which takes it to another level. You’ll hear Jeremy’s interesting background story as well as his inspirational journey you can learn a lot from. If you have any feedback for this episode then please email [email protected]  Links: l  www.notetakingexpress.com 

Season 2 - Episode 4: What management should NOT do in your software company

In this episode Mark talks with Tony Armour. Tony is an expert in the management drivers industry. He’ll explain what management should NOT do in the software industry (even though most of them do these things), the way to run a small company if you’re looking to scale AND why successful people are successful. If you want to get in contact with Mark for any reason then email [email protected] 

Season 2 - Episode 3: Most prospects will not buy straight away so here’s what you need to do

Most people who come across your business will not buy from you straight away. So in this episode, Jon street, a marketing expert, explains what to do about this. And trust me, this one is a good one! We cover everything from overcoming social anxiety to how to get your business positioning right to the unique giving approach that can boost your business and even your life! Links: l  The Go Giver by Bob burg - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Go-Giver-Little-Story-Powerful-Business/dp/0241976278/r...

Season 2 - Episode 2: Do you know about this Harvard study that can help you improve your sales & marketing?

In this episode Mark Edwards has a chat with Neil Cumming. In this longer than usual podcast they talk about cognitive overload, story telling in the B2B world and the Harvard study that will help improve any sales & marketing you do in the future. 

Season 2 - Episode 1: How to write in the correct tone of voice for your audience

In this episode Mark Edwards has a chat with Jon Buchan. They talk about the importance of humour in your business, using FaceBook for B2B advertising and how to write your content in the correct tone of voice for your audience. Links for podcast: l  CHARM OFFENSIVE LINK - https://www.charm-offensive.co.uk/  l  CHARM OFFENSIVE FACEBOOK LINK - https://www.facebook.com/groups/charmoffensivegroup  l  Colin Theriot- https://cultofcopy.com/ 

Episode Forty: This study by a Harvard professor may surprise you about your target market (and their buying decisions)

You may think you understand your target market. But, do you really? New research from a Harvard Business School professor has revealed something few software entrepreneurs know. In this episode, Michael Humblet and Mark Edwards discuss these findings as well as a couple of other interesting topics suitable for software entrepreneurs. https://www.bossequity.com/resources/podcasts Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now, and you ...

Episode Thirty-Nine: The risks of expanding your business globally - Are they worth it?

Boss-IT podcast has received a question from one of our listeners, Peter: “Is your company worth more if it operates in several countries, or is £10 million revenue the same value if it’s all from the same geographical location?” Well, in this episode Michael Humblet and Mark Edwards are joined by another Peter (an expert in Virtual Reality) to discuss this very question. We ponder whether global expansion of your business is even worth the hassle. As well as a couple of other interesting to...

Episode Thirty-Eight: Amazing new research from Forbes reveals the best country to do business in

Anyone involved in any type of business, in any country, needs to see this research. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised! Check out the study for yourself (but only after you've listened to our analysis of it which you may find intriguing):  https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2018/12/19/the-best-countries-for-business-2019-u-s-down-u-k-on-top/

Episode Thirty-Seven: What's going to be the next biggest trend in technology?

Everybody knows how technology is changing the world. But how many people know the specific upcoming trends in the B2B software industry? In this episode, we draw on over 30 years of experience in the B2b software industry to tell you what we think is going to happen next. (This could be really interesting to you if you're a software entrepreneur!)

Episode Thirty-Six: Don't take your business public, even if the "experts" are telling you otherwise

Of course, everyone has their own opinion. Some will say it's better for you to take your business public. While others will say it's not. However, in this episode, Mark Edwards and Michael Humbleton describe the numerous benefits to NOT taking your business public. Plus they talk about other topics that would be useful to any software entrepreneur.

Episode Thirty-Six: Don't take your business public, even if the "experts" are telling you otherwise

Of course, everyone has their own opinion. Some will say it's better for you to take your business public. While others will say it's not. However, in this episode, Mark Edwards and Michael Humbleton describe the numerous benefits to NOT taking your business public. Plus they talk about other topics that would be useful to any software entrepreneur.

Episode Thirty-Five: Micheal reveals some secrets about his "Secret Club"

Michael and Mark this week in their podcast try something different. Since they were together in Belgium for a speaking event they decided to get nose to nose and do a video podcast. They discuss a number of things relevant for software entrepreneurs this week including presenting on stage and Michael gets a bit uneasy

Episode Thirty-Four: An easy way to enhance your marketing even if you aren’t a marketing expert

For this episode Michael Humblet is away on business. Instead Mark Edwards is joined by Bernard Braithwaite, a marketing expert, who can tell you how to succeed at marketing in the software sector. Bernard will share some fresh perspectives you may not have heard before. And he describes them in an easy to understand way, so you can implement them immediately… Links for podcast: l  www.mimeanalytics.com - Bernard Braithwaite’s Website l  https://nz.linkedin.com/in/bernardbraithwaite - Ber...

Episode Thirty-Three: How to get 10x more leads without hiring any new employees

The average software company is missing out on 90% of the leads they could be getting. In this episode, we reveal how you can make sure you aren’t one of them. And it doesn’t require you hiring any new staff or making any dramatic changes. You’ll only have to improve one part of your business.  

Episode Thirty-Two: Avoid the big error almost all software companies make which lowers their conversion rates

Avoid the big error almost all software companies make which lowers their conversion rates Are your sales people failing to convert as many prospects into customers as you would like? This may be because prospects are being given inconsistent sales messages from your staff, brochures and website etc... In this episode, Michael Humblet and Mark Edwards reveal how you can make sure your prospects get the same exact sales message every time. This will of course result in more sales due to less...

Episode Thirty-One: The Mysterious Tibetan Word that could be really Valuable to your Business

Miksang. That’s the Tibetan word that could transform your business for the better. Listen to this episode to find out what it means and how it can benefit you. Also, we’re always looking for new podcast topic ideas.  If you have any problems you’re currently facing in your business then feel free to email me at [email protected]. We will then discuss it on our nearest convenient episode of Boss-IT Podcast.

Episode Thirty: Here’s one reason the B2C industry has a higher conversion rate than B2B

Michael and I often look in different industries to get inspiration for new ideas. In some ways, the B2C industry is far ahead of the B2B world. Especially the software sector. In this episode, Michael Humblet and Mark Edwards reveal one reason why B2C companies typically have a much higher conversion rate than B2B companies. (It might not be what you think!)

Episode Twenty-Nine: The new research on touch-points shows we were wrong

I remember being told ‘you need 11 touchpoints before you can convert a prospect into a customer’. Over the years I’ve also been told that number is 7 … or even 8 touchpoints that you need. How confusing! The great thing is there’s now some new, reliable research that’s come out that can put an end to this debate. Exactly how many touchpoints do we need? Or do we even need to focus on touchpoints at all? Michael Humblet reveals all in this episode.  Links for podcast: l  Mous Iphone Case (...

Episode Twenty-Eight: Software CEOs - You need to develop this skill

You’ve probably read dozens of books telling you how to succeed in business. But the problem is they all show you a different path to success. Some of these books may even contain contradictory information to what you’ve read elsewhere. The truth is that successful people have very few common traits amongst them. However, having dealt with hundreds of software entrepreneurs, I’ve found one common trait they all have. In this episode, I’ll reveal what that one skill is. www.bossequity.com

Episode Twenty-Seven: How a “punctum” can make your software demo more persuasive

How a “punctum” can make your software demo more persuasive Most software demos are dreadful. They lack any sort of persuasive selling power and are far too long. This results in boredom for the audience. But what is it that gives some software demos the je ne sais quoi? In this episode, Michael and I describe what a “punctum” is and how it can make your software demo instantly more persuasive. NOTE: Click here to download Michael Humblet’s FREE course -  https://schoolofsales.be/p/acceler...

Episode Twenty-Six: How ClickFunnels Dominated Their Niche and How That Can Help You

ClickFunnels has recently been valued at over $500 Million. Now what may surprise you, if you don’t already know it, is that ClickFunnels was only founded in 2014. In this episode, we talk about the techniques they used to achieve their success. Plus, we talk about another successful ‘unicorn’ company as well. These case studies will be useful because ‘success leaves tracks that we can follow ourselves’. Enjoy! Links for podcast: Sweep Bright - www.SweepBright.com The Fourth Industrial Re...

Episode Twenty-Five: James White on the Unique Challenges to Success in the Software Sector

James White on the Unique Challenges to Success in the Software Sector You’ve heard it before… the software sector is becoming more competitive by the day … and you need to adapt or die! I think most of us understand this. But it can be hard to figure out exactly HOW we should adapt. And the contradictory advice out there doesn’t help.  This is of course a big topic, and it’s one we’re going to cover in more detail in future episodes. But today, I wanted to at least kick-start that discussi...

Episode Twenty-Four: Why a dictatorial approach to management is less effective nowadays (and what works better)

As your business grows, it becomes even more important you lead your team in the most effective way possible. Big companies who fail to manage their employees correctly can often find themselves in difficulty! Especially in the software industry, where CEOs tend to have a technical mind that’s perhaps not at it’s best when dealing with people. In this episode we’ll explain why the dictatorial approach to management is now less effective. Also, we talk about why you need to clearly define who...

Episode twenty-three: Why Software CEOs Can Easily Sell Their Product Whilst Their Employees Struggle

Many software CEOs can sell their own product with ease. Yet at the same time, their employees struggle to sell the exact same product. In this episode we reveal why this happens and how to fix it. Also, we describe why the software industry is exploding with opportunities right now. And how software unicorn companies are currently changing the way people live. Links for podcast: High performance habits by Brendan Burchard https://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Performance-Habits-Extraordinary-Peop...

Episode Twenty-Two: A Quick Peek at Branding for Software Companies

Recently we’ve been frustrated by small business owners not knowing the importance of branding. They think “it’s only for the multi-billion dollar companies”. In this episode, we’ll show you why branding is just as, if not even more so, important for your software business. And, we’ll give you a peak into why just copying what the large successful conglomerates are doing (with their branding) will result in failure. Links for podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob1WW7QaaVw&feature=you...

Episode Twenty-One INTERVIEW: Top Software Sales Headhunter, David Shieldhouse, discusses the common traits of the top 1% of salespeople in the 21st century

This episode will tell you:  How to succeed as a salesperson in the 21st century.  PLUS…. how to be more creative when coming up with business ideas.  AND the unusual tactics Google used, to become so successful.  Mark Edwards and David Shieldhouse reveal ideas about selecting and recruiting the very best salespeople.  Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now, and you can receive one free 30-minute telephone consultation. Link...

Episode Twenty: Discover How to Manage Your Team to Get Better Results

This episode will tell you: The best way to manage your team to get ideal results.  PLUS…. what makes a great leader in a software company. AND one extremely useful productivity tip you can use instantly to work faster. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all.  Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation.

Episode Nineteen: Stress Reduction for Business People with David Key

This episode will tell you: How to deal with stress as a senior executive. PLUS…. why you’re probably pointing to the wrong thing that is causing your stress. AND the one thing getting in the way of you being WORLD-CLASS at what you do. Mark Edwards interviews David Key (best-selling author) who reveals all. Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation. Links for podcast: David Key Book -...

Episode Eighteen: Big Decisions Project or SAAS, Be Prolific & The Power of Community

This episode will tell you: Why small software companies (ESPECIALLY) shouldn’t diversify.  PLUS…. the ONE thing that ALL fast-growth software companies typically do. AND the traits of successful software entrepreneurs. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all.  Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation. Links for podcast: Ultima software PLC Programming Logical Systems GWEEK Speec...

Episode Seventeen: Football, Cultural Differences & Productivity

Why understanding cultural differences is so important. This episode will tell you all about it. PLUS…. what are the 5 best productivity tools that ACTUALLY WORK. AND some amusing anecdotes from the world of business. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all. Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation. Links for podcast: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com LinkedHelper www.linkedhelper.com ...

Episode Sixteen: Exhibitions, SAASTR & Cogx

What are the mistakes software companies make when presenting at trade exhibitions. This episode reveals them. PLUS…. why a lot of software companies already have the knowledge they need to get ahead of their rivals but are not using it. AND some extremely interesting facts on the fastest growing software companies you can use to help your own business. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all. Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do i...

Episode Fifteen: Virtual Reality In Sales & The Next Step

How you can have an enjoyable lifestyle and avoid becoming a slave to your business. This episode shows you how.  PLUS…how you can use virtual reality to sell more products even if you don’t think it’s suitable for your business. AND some extremely interesting facts on the fastest growing software companies you can use to help your own business. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all.  Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now...

Episode Fourteen: Passive Sales People & Solving Complexity

These few things will make your sales people want to, and even LOVE, working as hard as you do. Listen to this episode to find out how to do this. PLUS…why you should only focus on one thing at a time. And some unusual marketing techniques that get great results. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all. Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation. Links for podcast: Hylands Software...

Episode Thirteen: GDPR, Youtube & Software Valuations

How doing this ONE thing can result in explosive growth for your software business. This episode shows you how. PLUS…why speaking on stages at different events may be one of the best things you do for your business. And why the software sector really is the best sector to be in. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all. Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation with Mark or Michael. Lin...

Episode Twelve: Partnerships For Software Tech

How to improve your results working alongside your business partners NOW. This episode shows you how.  PLUS… why more and more businesses are running virtually these days. And how you can get to know your customers inside out. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all.  Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation. 

Episode Eleven: Reaching Your Target Market

How can your software company get more customers NOW. This episode shows you how. PLUS… the ONE thing Tim Ferris did to improve his productivity. And why you need to know about https://lumen5.com/ . Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all. Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation. Links for podcast: Sap - https://www.sap.com/uk/index.html Lumen 5 - www.lumen5.com Tim Ferriss - ...

Episode Ten: Thinking Bigger & The Winning Mentality

How to make cold calls work in the modern era How your software company can use cold calls in the modern era to get BIG results? This episode shows you how.  PLUS… why most software companies can’t get investment. And the SINGLE best marketing technique you can use now. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all.  Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation.

Episode Nine: Not Every Meeting is Good

Why most software companies are vulnerable (but don’t yet know it) How your software company may be vulnerable without you being aware? This episode shows you how. PLUS… why and how you should split up your sales processes. And the power of using stories. Mark Edwards and Michael Humblet reveal all. Go to www.BossEquity.com to find how you can take your software company to the next level. Do it now and I’ll even offer you a free consultation. Links for podcast: Drift www.drift.com Kevi...